The San Diego Padres' ongoing quest for a World Series (or at least a playoff title). "You know that many runners enter a race, but only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Five Series In A Row

I love these guys. Something amazing is happening here in San Diego, and it’s so much fun to watch.

Wade LeBlanc got the ball for the series finale against the Giants. He threw seven innings, allowing nothing but a two-run homer and four hits. I’m not sure what was going on with him earlier in the season, but he’s finally found his groove (and his strikes). It’s about time. This guy might have a chance to break into the starting rotation next year. Great effort yesterday, Wade!! Well done.

The offense of this game can be summed up in two words: Cabrera and Gonzalez. In the top of the first, Everth led off the game with a single. While Eck was batting, he stole second. Eck grounded out, and while Adrian was batting, Everth moved to third on a passed ball. Adrian singled Everth in to give us the 1-0 lead.

In the top of the third, E-Cab walked. With Eck batting, he stole second. Eck sacrificed him over to third. Adrian came up and hit his 37th home run of the season, giving the Padres a 3-0 lead.

Adrian’s 37th is the most he’s ever hit in a year as a major league player. Last year, he made a career-high of 36. Now his career high is 37. I know it’s just a number to Adrian, but it is a big accomplishment. Congrats, Adrian!!

The Giants got on the board with a two-run homer in the bottom of the third, but that’s all they got for the entire game.

In the sixth, Oscar Salazar hit a solo homer to extend our lead.

LeBlanc started the eighth, but did not get an out. He walked the first two batters. Luke Gregerson came in and did an incredible job of getting out of the inning. He got three straight outs to end the threat. Let me tell you, the guys in the bullpen have been the unsung heroes this year. They really don’t get much attention, but they have done an excellent job here.

Heath Bell allowed a hit in the ninth, but he closed it to get his 37th save and give the Padres their fifth straight series win.

Oh my goodness, I was soooo happy!!! This is a different team than we saw earlier in the year. These guys are playing hard, working together, and getting the job done. It’s so great!

We are now 20 games behind, which doesn’t really matter at this point, but it’s still good to see us inching back towards the right direction.

Man, with the way things are going, Heath might have a 40+ save season. I think Adrian’s definitely going to have over 40 home runs.

What a great series. I am soooo glad that we didn’t have to face Lincecum!!

I love the Union Tribune. They’ve got some quality writing going there. BUT there was something in there today that I took slight offense to. Every day, they have a “Who’s Hot Who’s Not” section. Recently, Kouz has been in the “Who’s Hot” section a lot, because his bat has been on fire. And of course, because he’s really hot.

But today, he was in the “Who’s Not” section!! How rude. It reads: “Sidelined by strained calf muscle just as the club was launching a campaign to promote third baseman for a Gold Glove. Also had 13 RBI in last 13 games.”

I mean, come on. It’s not Kouz’s fault that he got hurt. He was just trying to throw a ball to first when it happened. I don’t think getting hurt warrants being placed in the “Who’s Not” section. Sure, it’s terribly disappointing, but I guess it’s a good thing he doesn’t read the papers. I love you Kouz!!!!

If you would like to join a Facebook group for Kouz, “Kevin Kouzmanoff for Gold Glove,” click on this link and invite your friends to join as well!!

My boys get an off-day at home today. We will play the Rockies for three games this weekend at our beloved Petco Park. Three NL West rivals in a row. Well, make it four if you count the Diamondbacks next week. 4-2 record against the first two. Hmmmm.

The Rockies have a 8-4 record against us this year, but this team is a much different team than the one that was around earlier in the season.

Tomorrow, Edward Mujica will get the start. Now, that will be interesting. He’s been in the bullpen for us all year.

Great Series, eh? I am sad about Kooz. Hopefully he can get well soon! Oh and I might get a Facebook account soon, and if I do, I will join the Facebook group for Kouz!!!! GO PADRES!!!!!http://adriangonzalez23.mlblogs.com

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